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Monitor your computer speed when on the Internet and transferring files to detect possible viruses

Monitor your computer speed when on the Internet and transferring files to detect possible viruses

Vote: (120 votes)

Program license: Trial version

Developer: Hageltech

Version: 8.01

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(120 votes)

Trial version

Developer

Version

Hageltech

8.01

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Graphically control networking without a command line
  • Logs all network traffic
  • Provides early alerts about potential connection problems

Cons

  • Doesn't block potentially harmful traffic
  • Still requires some knowledge of networking technology

DU Meter is a network bandwidth monitor that includes a wide variety of features that aren't normally packed in with this kind of software. Most notably, it's designed to show users real-time networking graphs without ever requiring them to ever touch a single command line.

In fact, every aspect of the program works without the need for traditional networking tools. While you'll still need some understanding of how computers talk to each other, this does make it considerably easier to work with than the tools that come with Windows. That being said, DU Meter interfaces with all of the software that comes installed with the operating system, which ensures that it stays up to date whenever it provides you with some information.

The app automatically creates reports whenever it reaches certain preset conditions. Users are free to change these conditions or set DU Meter to manual. When you do so, the software will wait until you push a button to make up a report. This gives you a great deal of control over it, which is especially useful for those who work in larger organizations with dedicated IT departments.

Individual end users may want to generate a report and then send it over to their company's IT personnel so they can be sure that each problem is clearly defined. This is also useful for those who are repairing said issues, since the reports are quite detailed.

The app will also generate alerts each time something goes wrong. Whenever the software detects an unusual network condition, it will send out a notification to show users that something's gone wrong. It's rather careful, however, so you won't have to worry about it potentially pestering them with notifications whenever something is mildly out of spec. When DU Meter complains about something, it really is sure that there's a more serious problem.

Cautious users can use the app to monitor downloads and even check out each of their uploads to ensure that everything stays copacetic. When a system is hijacked or becomes part of a botnet, it has a tendency to start sending out a large number of packets to a command and control server in a remote location. DU Meter will normally catch this kind of behavior before it has a chance to really get ingrained into a computer.

In fact, the app regularly warns users about dangerous traffic that they might be engaged in without their permission. For instance, Trojan Horse programs could theoretically send out tons of information or start downloading big files without prompting the user for the right to do so. When this happens, DU Meter will raise a red flag so you'll be aware that this is going on.

Underneath the hood, DU Meter isn't a security program. It won't give you the tools to close out whatever application is transmitting packets without your permission. However, it will alert you that something is going on so you'll have the knowledge needed to attack the problem. You might want to think of it as more of a networking utility than a dedicated security application.

In fact, you'll find many reasons to use it that have nothing to do with network security. DU Meter points out odd traffic patterns, so you'll know if an otherwise legitimate application is misbehaving and causing problems. Hardcore online gamers can use it to test whether or not other utilities are zapping their connection. Those who play serious FPS titles will usually want as much bandwidth as they can possibly get.

Best of all, DU Meter can figure out the difference between LAN and Internet. You can use it to troubleshoot problems related to a dedicated Ethernet or Wi-Fi router attached to a cable modem because it will identify which piece of networking hardware is at fault.

If you often perform very complicated downloading tasks, then DU Meter will help you out by calculating network traffic costs and figuring out how long your tasks will take to complete. A number of localization fixes come bundled with the software, which should help those who want to do this with PCs that run a version of Windows that isn't optimized for use with the English language.

Some versions of Windows include support for DU Meter's bundled sidebar gadget, which can make the app all the more accessible for those who want to leave it running all the time. Users who find that this gadget isn't compatible with their version of Windows will still find it a very attractive piece of software that can help them solve a majority of the networking hiccups that they might run into.

Some may even find it useful for telling them whether or not they're getting ready to go over limitations that are put on them by their ISPs.

Pros

  • Graphically control networking without a command line
  • Logs all network traffic
  • Provides early alerts about potential connection problems

Cons

  • Doesn't block potentially harmful traffic
  • Still requires some knowledge of networking technology

Pros

  • Network Traffic Logs
  • Senses Imminent Connection Issues

Cons

  • Difficult Learning Curve
  • Lacks Network Security Tools

DU Meter is a piece of software that was initially designed to aid in the regulation of network traffic so users could avoid having to buy expensive software that handles full-scale network administration.

This tool is entirely free, and it includes a number of features that make it stand out from similar competitors. Such features include compatibility with essentially every network connection variety, an events system that is totally fluid and flexible, and an events log that provides in-depth analyses.

The main purpose of DU Meter is to help you in your vigilance against unusual or possibly dangerous activity on your network. It will send you alerts when such activity occurs so you can do what needs to be done. While the tool started as a limited, clinical tool, it has since been upgraded with several improvements like a miniature mode for out-of-the-way operation and a sleeker UI.

With the help of a legitimate database engine, DU Meter is able to provide highly detailed and precise notifications whenever something out of the ordinary occurs on your network. If you happen to use Windows Vista, you'll get even more utility out of DU Meter in the form of a sidebar tool that other Windows operating systems don't support. If you only need the most basic monitoring of your network to help with foreseeing potentially harmful activity, the clear choice is DU Meter.

The most recent version of DU Meter saw an extensive update from the previous version. An issue that prevented the UI language from matching the altered language setting in the options menu has been fixed, and most of the localized text has been cleared of grammatical errors and typos. Before this update, changing the language would force the title bar of the app to display incorrect text, but that has been fixed.

The graphical UI of the software received one of the largest updates. An issue that prevented the taskbar band from functioning in certain versions of Windows has been repaired, and you can now activate miniature mode by double-clicking inside the app whether or not the taskbar can be seen. A clipping issue with the 'beep' sound effect has been fixed, and the Network Connection Viewer tool has been updated to support the IPv6 protocol. That same tool also now shows the full names of all available active processes.

The auto-logon feature has been optimized to allow the software to start when the Windows OS starts, and systems that have SSD drives running Windows XP no longer experience failed start of service. In certain cases, the last version of the DU Meter software would force Windows to crash during shutdown, but that has been repaired. Errors in the service were not always accurately logged in the last release, but that has been corrected. A new system for reporting errors prevents a fault that would have allowed the error log to grow exponentially.

Pros

  • Network Traffic Logs
  • Senses Imminent Connection Issues

Cons

  • Difficult Learning Curve
  • Lacks Network Security Tools